Friday, June 8, 2007

Running for a Cause

When I am running, I think about a lot of things. One thing I think about is how fortunate I am that I can even run, when there are lots of people out there who can barely walk - or people who are struggling just for their lives. I have this idea that I would like to run "for" someone - but really hadn't identified anyone. But I got an idea while reading the story of a young man who is almost 6 years old and is fighting for the second time in 2 years with a cancer known as Neuroblastoma.

Elijah Talley is a good friend of Susan's. I discovered his website through Susan's blog. I signed his guest book and received email each time an update was made to the website. I had kind of stopped reading it until recently when I went to the website to read an update. At that time I discovered that the cancer he had fought off had returned and he is now back in chemotherapy.

One recent journal entry offered wristbands for sale to remind people to pray for Elijah. I thought it would be cool to wear the wrist band while running to remind me to think and pray for Elijah while out on the road. Then I thought it might be cool if our little band of runners would do that this summer as we prepare for our fall half and full marathons.

That would be it - just wearing the bands and remembering him while we train. There is no obligation and if you are not interested you don't have to participate. Just an idea I thought I would share. I will be doing it hope that some of you might join me as well :-)

Run Strong!!

10 comments:

Petraruns said...

This sounds like a great idea and I will be very happy to join in. My heart broke reading his website but I am inspired by his strength and courage and would be proud to wear a wristband.

Kevin said...

Very sweet of you to think of this Chris. My father passed 9 years ago from cancer and I wear a Livestrong bracelet. I'll order this one and wear it while I run also. Again.. sweet of you.

Dawn said...

Chris, thank you so much! You guys ROCK! Elijah had a great time cheering Susan on when she ran in the LR Marathon and he will think it's so cool to know that there are runners all over the country that are honoring him by wearing one of his reminderbands. We are so Blessed by new friends like you every day.
with great belief
Dawn Talley
www.prayforelijah.com

Unknown said...

I just want to say I think this is AWESOME! As Dawn said Elijah really enjoyed cheering Susan on in the LR marathon. He will be excited! Thanks!

Britt Talley

Irish Blue said...

Chris, great idea. I'll get a band this week. My father-in-law was just diagnosed with cancer. It's been a really tough week.

Maddy said...

As you know, I'm running in San Fran with the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Team in Training. So I truly believe in running with some meaning.

I'm in.

What if we ran the PWWHM as a team - "Team Elijah"?

Just throwing it out there...

MarathonChris said...

I like it the PWWHM team idea!!!

Petraruns said...

Team Elijah is great and I'm proud to be on board of that!

Susan said...

I am back in town. Loving this idea! Team Elijah ROCKS!

MarathonChris said...

I will see if I can create the team on the Phedip website.